Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
145. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications under the Just Transition Fund since the scheme began; the number of applications approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59986/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.
A Just Transition Fund, targeted at the wider Midlands region was established in my Department in 2020, and 101 applications were received under a call which closed in July 2020. Following evaluation of applications received, 47 projects have now finalised a grant agreement with the Department and are implementing their projects. The Department is providing grant funding of over €15.5 million to these projects. Funded projects include new enterprise hubs, support for local business development, research and feasibility studies, tourism and heritage projects, and opportunities for reskilling. Further details of these projects can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/. My Department expects to finalise grant agreements with a small number of additional projects shortly.
